Backpack program up and running

News-Times, The (Danbury, CT)

Published
8:00 pm EDT, Wednesday, April 27, 2005

Its members have already begun raising money for the club's eighth annual Back-To-School Backpack program, an effort that helps families get their children ready for the school year with a backpack and school supplies.
"Unfortunately, providing something as simple as a backpack, while taken for granted by some, can prove difficult for others," said Lisa Santini, backpack committee chair. "The program was launched to assist those families" by providing that gear
"The town's social services department administers the list of recipients to maintain confidentiality," she said.
For the current school year, the club budgeted $3,500 for the program. From that money, fund-raising efforts and the generosity of many businesses, 118 students in grades K-12 received filled backpacks.
The number of children receiving backpacks has steadily grown, Santini said.
"In 2005, we are, again, expected to see an increase in numbers. We will have at least 118 students to provide for, but that is not yet the final number."
Because purchasing backpacks can be costly, it is not left until just before school begins.
"We work hard to find every opportunity to save on costs. Backpacks are stockpiled throughout the year in order to take advantage of sales and promotions," Santini said. "We are fortunate to have found a school supply distributor that grants us a charitable organization discount."
The club fills the backpacks with more than the usual school items - pens, pencils, note paper and the like. Items such as scientific calculators that are specifically required for some courses are also included, she said.
Generally, "it costs approximately $40 for each filled backpack," Santini reported. "Donations of that amount would be appreciated, but any amount will be appreciated.
"We gladly accept donations of new backpacks, too, if donors or their employer or company prefer."